The by-election will choose two new councillors for the City of Edinburgh Council, filling vacancies in the Leith Walk Ward following Green councillor Maggie Chapman’s resignation. This is in addition to SNP councillor Deidre Brock standing down from her role after being elected as a Member of Parliament for the Edinburgh North and Leith constituency.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters use numbers to rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can express 'preferences' for as many or as few of the candidates as they wish.

Two candidates will be elected following the vote, which is the first time an STV by-election has been needed to fill two vacancies in the same ward.

Sue Bruce, Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “This is the first time a Scottish council by-election has been held to fill more than one vacancy in a ward using the STV system.

“Voters need to remember that they can vote for as many candidates as they like – this time though, voters must show their choices by numbering the candidates on the paper, with one being their first choice. We look forward to working with the public in this important democratic process for Edinburgh.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 10th September. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

To register to vote or apply for a postal vote contact the Electoral Registration Office or phone 0131 344 2500 by 25 August.